Full write-up for Russell's Top Tens are Here
1. Black Country, New Road - For The First Time
Pretty much nailed on to be near the top of my list since the day it was announced, this short but brilliant album served as a document of the formative part of BC,NR's career. Despite the niggling omission of fan favourites 'Snow Globes' and 'Basketball Shoes', which will be remedied on album 2 next year, the 6 tracks here showcase a band which is really unlike any other (although they've already inspired a few imitators). It's not just the tunes either, the lyrics are great too and cover subjects as broad as love, science, depression and Kanye West. Having already started to evolve musically I hope this is a band that stays together for the next few decades.
2. Black Midi – Cavalcade
3. For Those I Love – For Those I Love
4. Fred Again – Actual Life (April 14 – December 17 2020)
5. Hannah Peel – Fir Wave
6. Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
7. Dave – We’re All Alone In This Together
8. Squid – Bright Green Field
9. Ross From Friends – Tread
10. IDLES – Crawler
Favourite Live sets:
1.Chemical Brothers – Latitude Festival
2. Black Midi – Alexander Palace Theatre
3. Primal Scream – Bigfoot Festival
4. Damon Albarn – Latitude Festival
5. Black Country, New Road – Islington Assembly Hall
6. Hot Chip – Latitude Festival
7. Nubya Garcia – Latitude Festival
8. Jon Hopkins – Royal Albert Hall
9. Self Esteem – Latitude Festival
10. Black Midi – Wide Awake Festival
Full write-up for Russell's Top Tens are Here